Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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        God loosens the bonds 

Bible Portion: Psalm 116 
You have loosened my bonds "Psalm 116:16 
Devotion
Bible scholars consider Psalm 116 is one of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms read at Jewish synagogues during festive days as an act of praise and thanksgiving. It is not certain whether King David penned this psalm at a particular life situation. Psalm is a remarkable poem paying vow of gratitude. Jesus and disciples must have recited this psalm at the Last Supper as Jewish custom. 
Let's relate the whole psalm as all of the verses closely and directly point to many of our life situations. Psalm begins with the most simple human expression of love toward God as He hears our prayers. Most of us love God for the blessings received from Him. We normally call up God when we are in distress, sorrow or at the death door. Writer of this psalm does the same by placing a plea before God to save his soul (V4) Compassionate Lord bends his ears to the cry and saves him. (V2) Psalmist reaffirms three attributes of God in V5, Gracious, Righteous and compassionate despite his harsh life situations. In V12 the psalmist expresses his genuine gratitude to God for the blessings he received and promises to lift up the cup on salvation and call upon the name of the Lord in presence of all His people. Verse 12-14 are commonly used in our daily prayers as an affirmation of thanksgiving. These verses mean more than thanksgiving rather cup of salvation means taking free gift of salvation through Christ with a grateful heart. This event is remembered frequently by partaking at Holy Table in faith thereby reaffirming the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. In verse 13 the writer surrendering himself to the Lord as a servant, as the Lord has liberated him from the bondage. God does not want any of His creations to perish so He is standing at the death door with a plea to return and live with Him forever (Ezk.18:32) 
As we are marching toward the cross during this lenten season, let's remember the liberation we received from the bondage of sin at the cross and the promise of eternal life with Jesus. 
Prayer
Thank you God for liberating me from the bondage of sin by the sacrificial death of your Son Jesus. I render the rest of my life at Jesus's feet for what He has done on the cross for me .Amen. 
Oommen Varughese
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church
New York

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